Ko‘olaupoko Water Quality Assessment

Table of Contents 1

I. Introduction. 1

II. Public Input in the Assessment 3

III. Natural Resources Inventory. 5

Natural Resources Inventory – Bibliography. 8

IV. Overview of Research on Water Quality. 10

Section A: Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resources Management’s Assessment of Streams in Ko‘olaupoko: 10

Section B: Summary of Pre-1998 Research: 11

I. Introduction

This report is part of a series of reports addressing planning for improvements to the water quality in Ko‘olaupoko and its four major regions – North Kane‘ohe, South Kane‘ohe, Kailua, and Waimanalo. The Kailua Bay Advisory Council (KBAC), an entity created from the Consent Decree in Save Our Bays and Beaches et al. v. City and County of Honolulu, Federal Civil No. 92-00263 (1995), has compiled the information obtained from its Technical Program into an assessment of water quality in Ko‘olaupoko. This assessment is the first step in developing a master plan that is also intended to be used as the Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS).

Components of the assessment include:

Public input methodology used
Descriptions of the natural resources found in the region
Overview of research regarding water quality in Ko‘olaupoko

-1990 Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management stream assessment

-Summary of pre-1998 research

-Summary of research – 1998 to present

-Areas and resources in need of further research

List of major water quality problems known in the region
Chart of identified problems, possible solutions, and actors for each area
Glossary of terms
Acronyms
Maps of the planning area

The work completed on KBAC’s behalf under its Technical Program used a three-step process:

Reviewing existing research done by various individuals and scientists in the Ko‘olaupoko area;

Obtaining input from the public regarding its perceptions of the problems and possible solutions needed to address water quality pollution; and
Making recommendations to KBAC regarding measures that can address these problems and estimated costs.

This process produced three reports, including an inventory of literature/studies/research on water quality: (1) a Preliminary Problem Identification Report; (2) an Interim Technical Report; and (3) a Final Technical Report. The three documents can be found on the Internet at: www.kbac-hi.org/reports[.htm]

Using the above information, KBAC has augmented and compiled these past efforts into several major charts and lists that divide Ko‘olaupoko into the four sub-watershed areas: North Kane‘ohe, South Kane‘ohe, Kailua, and Waimanalo. These include:

· Inventory of significant natural resources in Ko‘olaupoko and their descriptions.

· Summary and review of research that assesses conditions of the streams and waters bodies, divided into three categories: 1990 Stream Assessment by Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management, research done prior to 1998, research completed and in progress since 1998, and a chart of each community’s level of satisfaction.

· List of major concerns facing the entire region.

· Chart of identified problems, possible solutions, and actors – with notes that reflect the magnitude of a problem or concern (1 = greatest; 3 = least) and the feasibility of resolving the problem (1 = most likely; 3 = least likely).

KBAC will use this information to develop a master plan for Ko‘olaupoko that: (1) identifies an action plan that includes technical, financial, and educational measures; (2) identifies the necessary cooperators and actors; (3) provides a schedule for implementation; and (4) identifies monitoring and evaluation activities, and budget needs. This master plan will also be submitted to the State Department of Health for consideration as a Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS).

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II. Public Input in the Assessment

In developing its report for the Technical Program, KBAC – a community advisory body comprised of a broad range of citizen volunteers from community, government, science, and environmental organizations – enlisted the services of several consultants at various points in the process. Three major documents were created with varying levels of direct and indirect public input.

Document	Date Produced	Consulting Agency	Public Input Method
Preliminary Problem Identification	September 1998	Environmental Planning Services	Community meetings
Interim Technical Report	March 28, 2000	Environmental Planning Services Community Resources	Community meetings; Surveys
Final Technical Program Report	March 2001	Comprehensive Planning Services of Hawaii	Community meetings; Governmental agencies

The initial work, begun in March 1998, by Environmental Planning Services and led by Principal Eugene Dashiell, produced two reports: a Preliminary Problem Identification document, dated September 1998, and an Interim Technical Report, dated March 28, 2000. Extensive formal public input obtained from facilitated community meetings held in summer 1998 – in Kailua, Kane‘ohe, and Waimanalo – was included in both of these documents. Notices of these meetings were disbursed through press releases, mass mailings, radio, and published advertisements. Drafts of the documents were made available to the public in libraries, schools, on a KBAC web site prior to these meetings, and in a newsletter distributed by Environmental Planning Services. In addition, KBAC received indirect public comment on the development of these documents at their regular meetings, generally conducted monthly, over the 18-month duration of drafting the documents.

Furthermore, Environmental Planning Services retained the services of Community Resources to conduct community surveys in the Ko‘olaupoko area. Nearly 300 specific comments were received from surveys conducted at various storefronts at local supermarkets. People were asked to identify specifically what they perceived as problems with water quality and to suggest possible solutions. The comments were collated and appended to the Preliminary Problem Identification document.

In soliciting input from the general public on the draft of the Final Technical Program Report in fall 2000, Comprehensive Planning Services of Hawaii also conducted three public meetings in the three major watershed areas – Kailua, Kane‘ohe, and Waimanalo – of the Ko‘olaupoko District. Over 70 people attended these three meetings. Group memories of each of the meetings were summarized and appended to the Final Technical Report along with the consultant’s responses to various comments. Additionally, the consultants interviewed over 15 individuals from various government agencies that impact water quality. Public agency comments have been consolidated in Section VI. The appendices to the Interim Technical Report contain the survey data sorted by sub-region and by specific problem areas. The comments given at the six public meetings were used to create the recommendations contained in both the Interim Technical Report and the Final Technical Program Report.

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III. Natural Resources Inventory

*Natural Resource*	*Description*
Kane‘ohe Bay
Kane‘ohe Bay	The largest embayment in the Hawaiian Islands, Kane‘ohe Bay contains almost half of the shoreline of the Ko‘olaupoko District, extending from Kualoa to Kane‘ohe. Kane‘ohe Bay is a very long lagoon contained within the Ko‘olaupoko District, is the only true barrier reef in Hawai‘i, and has the greatest concentration of patch reefs in the Hawaiian Islands.
Islands in Kane‘ohe Bay
Kekepa	Turtleback Rock. State Bird Sanctuary.
Moku o Loe	22-acre island, State-owned by the University of Hawai‘i (SOEST) and Pauley-Pagen Laboratory. Home of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology. Originally 11 acres, previous private owners of Moku O Loe (known as Coconut Island) dredged the surrounding coral reefs to expand the island to its current size and add ponds.
Moku Manu	"Bird Island" located northeast off of Mokapu Peninsula – a State Bird Refuge.
Mokulea	Small island made up of consolidated dune sand located in Kane‘ohe Bay off of Mokapu Peninsula.
Ahu o Laka	Part of the barrier reef system, this sand bar is a popular spot for many recreational and commercial boaters.
Barrier Reef	This reef complex system extends across the mouth of Kane‘ohe Bay and includes the channels at the north and south ends. The central barrier reef flat accommodates most of the recreational activity.
Kapapa Island	Part of the barrier reef system
North Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed
Kualoa sub-watershed	Kualoa (long-back) is a longish plain lacking perennial streams. It forms a narrow land strip between the sea and the precipitous Pali-ku (Erect cliff). Kualoa has a broad lagoon but hardly any beach.
Kualoa State Park	This park, at the northern point of the Kane‘ohe Bay, provides most of the active public shoreline access and the only white sand beach. The public enjoys camping, fishing, swimming and views of the watershed and bay.
Mokoli‘i	Also known as Chinaman's Hat, Mokoli‘i, is an isolated remnant of Ko‘olau's basalts (sea stacks).
Hakipu‘u sub-watershed	Hakipu‘u (Broken-hill) is a lush valley with a small coastal plain facing a broad lagoon well guarded by an unbroken reef. There is one sizeable intermittent stream, a swamp and an outback of little valleys.
Hakipu‘u Stream	A natural stream that has not been modified in any major way.
Moli‘i fishpond	124-acre historic Hawaiian fishpond still in production. Adjacent to the mouth of Hakipu‘u Stream.
Waikane sub-watershed	Waikane (Water-of-Kane) with an annual rainfall of 112 inches, has a sizable stream running back into the valley. The watershed is broad in the mauka areas and funnels through a narrow valley as it drains through wetlands into the Bay.
Waikane Stream	The Waikane Stream, draining the sub-area, is a perennial stream formed by two large streams flowing down from the 3,000-foot Ko‘olau range. Although its headwaters are diverted by the Waiahole Ditch Tunnel, the rest of the stream and its tributary, Waikeekee, is relatively natural without channelization.
Waiahole sub-watershed	(Water-of-the-Ahole-fish) This continuous broad coastal plain, with arable upland slopes (kula) below the sheer mountain wall and rough lower wao (forest area), is broken by transverse ridges running seaward, and also by several streams. Waiahole is developed with mostly small farms and residences.
Waiahole Beach Park	This park lies between the mouths of Waiahole and Waikane streams and is currently undeveloped with no maintained facilities.
Waiahole Stream	Waiahole is Ko‘olaupoko’s largest unmodified stream that flows without channelization to the bay, but is diverted at its headwaters by the Waiahole Ditch Tunnel.
Waihee Watershed	(Octopus-Water) Practically continuous with the Kahaluu watershed, is often included as part of it.
Waihee Marsh	A federally-designated wetland. It serves as a sedimentation basin and provides flood control protection.
Waihee Stream	The stream's headwaters lie in a natural, undeveloped amphitheater against the mountain wall, and converges with two other major streams by way of the Kahalu‘u flood control lagoon.
Waihee Valley Nature Park	Contains 4 exotic species and 5 native species (including Hawaiian prawn, o‘opu and aholehole)
Kaalaea Watershed	(The Ocherous-Earth) This valley has many springs that once fed irrigated flats of lo‘i.
Halamoa stream	Fed by a freshwater spring, the stream supports a federally-designated wetland in the lower reaches, and flows through agricultural lands primarily used for grazing. It has not been modified to any large extent.
Kahalu‘u Watershed	(Diving-Place) Kahalu‘u has a mostly sheltered shore length behind low coastal hills broken up by a major winding perennial stream. This watershed is almost continuous with Waihee sub watershed.
Kahalu‘u Beach Park	An undeveloped park situated at the mouth of the flood control lagoon. It has a minimal boat ramp for shallow draft boats. Plans are underway to develop this area into a Kahalu‘u regional park.
Kahalu‘u stream	This stream runs through the periphery of urban areas, primarily residences and small farms. The middle and over reaches are channelized and it enters the bay through the Kahalu‘u flood control lagoon.
Laenani Beach Park	This park is small and most often used as a playground with visual access to Kane‘ohe Bay. It has a small boat ramp but no parking for trailers. This ramp is only usable for shallow draft boats at high tide.
South Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed
He‘eia Watershed	(Washed-Away) Its major streams drain Haiku Valley, passing through a wetland and historic fishpond before entering the bay.
He‘eia Wetlands	These wetlands are some of the largest in the state. With extensive shoreline salt marshes unsuitable for cultivation, He‘eia wetlands provide natural habitat for endemic and endangered species and serves as a natural flood control and water purifier.
He‘eia Fishpond	Historic preservation site; recently in aquaculture production. Exchanges directly with Kane‘ohe Bay.
He‘eia State Park	He‘eia State Park occupies most of Ke Alohi Point. It has a visitor center, provides educational activities, and has spectacular views of Kane‘ohe Bay. The Friends of He‘eia, a non-profit organization provides educational and interpretive programs at the park.
He‘eia Stream	He‘eia Stream is a perennial stream that drains Haiku and Iolekaa Valleys.
Kane‘ohe Watershed	The watershed of Kane‘ohe, (Bamboo husband) about 11,500 acres (46.6 km2), is a wet area with lush vegetation drained by a series of mostly perennial streams. Average rainfall is approximately 40-60 inches (100-150 cm) annually. Because the watershed boundary is composed of steep cliffs ( the Pali), drainage after heavy rainfall is very rapid.
Ke‘ahala Stream	A perennial stream that is intermittent in the upper reaches.
Waikalua Fishpond	The fishpond, with a water surface area of approximately 11 acres, is situated between Kane‘ohe Stream and Kawa Stream. The fishpond is in active use for community outreach and water quality education.
Kane‘ohe-Kamooalii Stream	Primary-draining system of the Kane‘ohe Watershed.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden	Gardens recently reserved and established by the City and County of Honolulu. Major site for floodwater dam control.
Kawa Stream	Perennial stream that has been extensively channelized, and is designated a Water Quality Limited Segment.
Kailua Bay Watershed
Mokapu Peninsula	Occupied by and managed by the Marine Corps Air Station (KMCAS). Contains an airport and supporting housing and training ranges.
Pu‘u Hawaiiloa	Crater on the Mokapu Peninsula
Kuau (Pyramid Rock)	Most Northern tip of the Mokapu Peninsula
Ulupau Crater	"Fumes growing up". Crater on Mokapu Peninsula
Pu‘u o Kahai	Tallest peak on Mokapu Peninsula.
Kaluapuhi Pond	24-acre pond connected with Kailua Bay
Halekou Pond	2-acre pond
Kawai Nui Watershed
Maunawili Valley	Maunawili valley contains many streams and springs that feed into Kawai Nui Marsh.
Maunawili Stream	Largest natural water source in Maunawili Valley, this stream drains the valley into Kawai Nui Marsh Park, forming a large, brackish muliwai (a stream mouth isolated from the sea). A sand bar that helps the muliwai form is present during periods of low stream flow.
Ka‘elepulu Pond	A major sedimentation retention basin co-owned by the Enchanted Lake Homeowner's Association and the City and County of Honolulu.
Kawai Nui Marsh	"The big freshwater pond" is the largest wetland in the state, the 830-acre Kawai Nui Marsh is a major wetland ecosystem and also functions as a large sedimentation basin.
Oneawa Canal	The marsh originally flowed to the sea via the Kaiwai Nui Canal, also known as the Oneawa Canal. In 1996, the Kawai Nui Flood Control Project was completed to ease flooding and flow rate is about 10 million gallons per day.
Pali Look-out	Overlooks almost the entire amphitheater-shaped Ko‘olau caldera. Spectacular views of steep, pali slopes with moderate to heavy erosion as it descends into the valley and out to the sea.
Aniani Nui Ridge	Emerging from the Ko‘olau Peaks, this ridge demarcates the northwest Kailua Watershed boundary as it transitions to the coastal plain.
Olomana Ridge	A series of foothills with a popular hiking trail, including Olomana, Ahiki, and Pakui peaks.
Olumawao	High point on the ridge that borders the central portion of the Kailua and Kane‘ohe Watersheds. The ridge includes other lower peaks: Puu O Ehu, Mahinui and Pu‘a Papa‘a
Kailua Bay
Kailua Beach	The predominant shoreline is calcareous beach sand. Reef is poorly developed and generally absent. Most popular recreational beach on Windward O‘ahu.
Islands in Kailua Bay
Popo‘i‘a (Flat Island)	Limestone islet of raised reef rock, established as a Bird Sanctuary.
Mokolea	Limestone islet comprised of raised reef rock established as a sea bird nesting ground sanctuary. Cones of mostly basalts resulting from secondary volcanic eruptions.
Lanikai Beach (Kaohao)	Once rated as "the best beach in the world", this beach is experiencing serious coastal erosion challenges.
Mokulua Islands	"Twin islands" off Lanikai. Isolated remnants of Ko‘olau basalts (sea stacks). Today, primarily used by surfers and as a destination for recreational kayakers. Protected State Bird Refuge.
Waimanalo Bay Watershed
Wailea Point	Also known as Popo‘oka‘ala, Wailea Point is a volcanic headland marking the western end of Waimanalo Bay.
Makapu‘u Point	Peninsula formed by secondary volcanic eruption. Most southeastern point of the Ko‘olaupoko Mountain Range.
Bellows Air Force wetlands	A military installation, but primarily used for recreational activities but does have a small inactive airfield.
Pahonu Pond	Once an enclosure for turtles, the pond is a line of stones submerged at high tide, but visible at low tide; it is still visible today across from Sea Life Park.
Waimanalo Stream	A perennial stream and the primary drainage for the Valley. Tributaries include Kahawi and Inoaole streams, both intermittent.
Waimanalo Bay
Waimanalo Beach	Waimanalo Beach is a spectacular stretch of sandy shoreline on O‘ahu with an overall length of nearly 5.5 miles (8.8 km). Waimanalo Beach is a popular sun-bathing and swimming area, especially where its sandy bottom slopes gently offshore. Shoreline access permits moderate to heavy fishing for ulua, papio, weke, and ‘o‘io along the length of Waimanalo Bay.
Waimanalo Reef	A wide, submerged barrier-type of reef extending offshore of Waimânalo Bay. Depths exceeding 30 ft (10 m) occur in a broad, lagoon-like depression behind the margin.
Islands in Waimanalo Bay
Manana (Rabbit Island)	Small gray volcanic island with very little vegetation located just off shore of Makapu‘u Point. Popularly known as "Rabbit Island", it was once the home to numerous wild rabbits.
Kaohi-kaipu Island	Basaltic cone located south of Rabbit Island, established as a bird sanctuary and refuge.

Natural Resources Inventory – Bibliography

AECOS, Inc. 1979. Hawai`i Coral Reef Inventory. Island of O`ahu (OCRI). Part B - Sectional Map Descriptions. U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Allen-Wheeler, J. 1981. Archaeological excavations in Kawainui Marsh, Island of O`ahu (Honolulu: Department of Anthropology, Bishop Museum).

Clark, J. T. 1980. Phase I archaeological survey of Castle Estate lands around the Kawainui Marsh, Kailua, O`ahu (Honolulu: Department of Anthropology, Bishop Museum).

Devaney, D.M., Kelly, M., Lee, P. J., Motteler, L.S. 1982 Kaneohe: A History of Change. Bess Press, Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Drigot, Diane C. and Muriel B. Seto, 1982. IS 489 Environmental Practicum Students, Ho`ona`auao no Kawai Nui (Educating about Kawai Nui). A multi-media educational guide, Chapter 1, pp.1,7.

Furumoto, A.S., N.J. Thompson, and G.P. Wollard. 1965. The structure of Koolau Volcano from seismic refraction studies. Pacific Science, XIX (3): p. 310.

Hall, W. T. The History of Kailua, Hawaii. 1998. Dolphin Printing and Publishing. Kailua, Hawai‘i.

Handy, E.S. Craighill and Elizabeth Green Handy with the collaboration of Mary Kawena Pukui. 1972. Native Planters in Old Hawaii, Their Life, Lore and Environment. Bernice P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 233. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Hazlett, R. W. and Hyndman, D. W. 1996. Roadside Geology of Hawaii. Mountain Press Publishing Co. Missoula, Montana.

Kelly, M. and J.T. Clark. 1980. Kawainui Marsh, O`ahu: Historical and Archaeological Studies (Honolulu: Department of Anthropology, BishopMuseum).

Kailua Bay Advisory Council, 2001. Final Technical Program Report, Comprehensive Planning Services of Hawaii. Kailua, Hawai‘i.

Wilcox, B., Guinther, E. Duin, K., Mayaum, H., 1998. Mokapu: Manual for Watershed Health and Water Quality. USMC, Marine Core Base Hawaii-Kane‘ohe Bay.

National Park Service, Western Region Natural Resources and Research Division, Hawaii Cooperative Park Studies Unit, 1990. Hawaii Stream Assessment: A Preliminary Appraisal of Hawaii's Stream Resources. Report R84. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Oliver, Anthony, M. 1995. Hawaii Fact and Reference Book: Recent and Historical Facts and Events in the Fiftieth State. Mutual Publishing. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Sterling, E.P., and Summers, C.C. 1978. Sites of Oahu. Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Wilson, Okamoto & Associates, Inc. 1983. Instream Use Study, Windward Oahu. Department of Land & Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i.

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IV. Overview of Research on Water Quality

This section is divided into four parts. Section A provides a summary of the data on Ko‘olaupoko streams in the 1990 assessment conducted by the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resources Management. Section B lists the research that has been conducted for the Ko‘olaupoko region dating to 1998. Section C lists the research that has been conducted from 1998 to the present. Section D provides a discussion of the area and its resources that have been identified as needing further research.

Section A: Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resources Management’s Assessment of Streams in Ko‘olaupoko:

In 1990, the Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resource Management (HCWRM) conducted a statewide appraisal of Hawai‘i streams (HSA, 1990). This study evaluated the aquatic, riparian, cultural, and recreational resources of each of the state's perennial streams. Streams with unknown resources could not be evaluated and are left blank in the table. Resources evaluated:

AQUATIC RESOURCES (AQU): This category includes fish, mollusks and crustaceans that rely on freshwater streams for habitat. The Assessment considered the presence of certain native species as indicators of aquatic resource value and overall health of the stream system. Indicator species included 'o'opu nakea (Awakous stamineus), o'opu hi'ukole or 'alamo'o (Lentipes concolor), 'o'opu nopili (Sicyopterus stimpsoni), and the freshwater snail hihiwai (Neritina granosa).

RIPARIAN RESOURCES (RIP): This category includes those streamside or terrestrial natural resources that may affect or be affected by the quality of stream ecosystems. Riparian resources include native plant species, native forests, wetlands and waterbird recovery habitat within the stream corridor, as well as threatened and endangered plant and bird species. Such resources offer useful indicators of the quality of stream watersheds.

CULTURAL RESOURCES (CUL): This category includes stream-related cultural sites from pre-historic to historic times, and sites where kalo still grows today. Resources include heiau, habitation complexes, irrigation systems and lo‘i, bridges, and mills. Known site information was inventoried, and where possible, likely site patterns were predicted for unsurveyed areas.

RECREATIONAL RESOURCES (REC): This category includes stream pools, waterfalls and banks that provide places for people to swim, fish, boat, hike, see wildlife, and enjoy scenic vistas. Recreational opportunities occur in diverse stream settings ranging from concrete urban canals to remote natural streams.

Based on the data collected in these four resource categories, the assessment committees ranked stream resources as Outstanding (++++), Substantial (+++), Moderate (++), Limited (+) or Unknown (left blank). In some cases, ranking other than Outstanding reflected inadequate information rather than lesser resources.

As the table below shows, the four resources were not described for Kapaa stream (Kailua Watershed), Kawa stream (South Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed), and the unnamed perennial stream (North Kane‘ohe Bay watershed). Cultural resources are glaringly absent in all of the streams in South Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed and most of the streams riparian resources were not evaluated for North Kane‘ohe Bay.

Watersheds and Streams

Stream Conditions

AQU RIP CUL REC

Waimanalo Watershed

Waimanalo Stream and its tributaries Kahawai Stream and Inoa‘ole Stream

+++

++++

+++

Kailua Watershed

· Ka‘elepulu

· Kawainui stream

· Kapaa

+++++++

++++

+++

South Kane‘ohe Bay

· Kane‘ohe/Kamooali‘i

· Kawa

· Ke‘ahala

· He‘eia

+++

++++

+++

North Kane‘ohe Bay

· Hakipu‘u

· Ka‘alaea

^·Waiahole

^·Unnamed (Waianu)

^·Kahalu‘u

· Waikane

+++

In summary, the HCWRM evaluation provides a useful methodology that can be adopted for assessing streams in the future. Despite being over 10 years old, it is the only study that evaluates and ranks a range of stream resources that critically affect stream quality. Thus, this assessment provides a useful baseline for determining the health and quality of Hawai‘i streams today. It is highly recommended that the study be repeated for all perennial streams in Ko‘olaupoko and updated with new technologies, such as GIS mapping.

Section B: Summary of Pre-1998 Research:

A substantial amount of work and effort has been conducted to assess the health and condition of the Ko‘olaupoko watersheds. The table below – compiled from KBAC's Bibliography (KBAC, 1998) – summarizes scientifically reviewed water quality studies and relevant reports. The studies, organized by watershed, are arranged chronologically. Reference numbers refer to KBAC's Bibliographic Database numbering system. These studies were conducted prior to the Unified Watershed Assessment Report, which in 1998 identified Ko‘olaupoko as a Category I Watershed.

North Kane‘ohe Bay
	Area	Study	Year	Ref. No.
	Kahalu‘u watershed	Soil erosion	1975	119
	Waiahole Valley	Stream flows, gauges	1980	038
	Waiahole Stream	Mineral Analysis	1984	028
	Waiahole Ditch	Water Study and Botanical Assessment	1995	030
	Waiahole Ditch	Effects on aquatic biota and waterbirds resulting in short-term changes to water allocation	1995	31
	Waiahole Ditch	Water quality studies to measure salt water intrusion into wells	1995	027
	Waiahole Stream	Overview of drainage area	1995	040
	Waiahole Stream	Survey of biotic composition and abundance of stream bottom	1995	041
	Waikane-Waiahole valleys	Leaf litter fauna and effects on stream micro biota	?	037
South Kane‘ohe Bay
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Sediment loading, bacterial pollution	1967	108
	South Kane‘ohe Bay	Run-off. Chemical and bacterial content of wastewater	1970	107
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Hydrology and waste disposal	1970	126
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Coral cover; estuarine pollution	1973	118
	Kane‘ohe watersheds	Graphic atlas of Kane‘ohe Bay basin drainage area	1973	086
	He‘eia Fishpond	Flood events affecting fishponds and Kane‘ohe Bay	1975	084
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Impact of runoff from urban surface streets	1976	104
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Dry weather baseline water quality studies compared to wet weather of run-off into the bay	1976	106
	Kane‘ohe Bay	Study of storm-induced run-off into the bay	1977	105
		Inventory of Benthic organisms	1977	116
	Kane‘ohe Watershed	Watershed flood plain management and estuarine ecosystems	1978	111
		Human enteric viruses ocean waters off O‘ahu	1980	117
	Kamo‘oali‘i Stream	Monitoring flood control dam project in Ho‘omaluhia	1981	066
	Ho‘omaluhia	Master Plan for Ho‘omaluhia Recreation Area and Flood control	1985	074
	Haiku Valley, Kamo‘oali‘i Stream and drainage basins	Measurements of PCBs	1989-1991	056
	Omega Station in Ha‘iku Valley and He‘eia stream	Monitoring aquatic environment for pollutants	1993	050
	He‘eia stream and adjacent surrounding aquatic areas	Monitoring and sediment analyses	1993	51
	He‘eia stream	Water quality assessment for Kahekili Hwy widening project	1995	062
Kailua
	Kailua-Kane‘ohe	Water Quality Management Plan Environmental Impact	1974	002
	Mokapu outfall	Benthic ecosystem and fish population	1980	080
	Kapaa Landfill	Tests for water quality in surface and groundwater to investigate whether sanitary landfill leachate was entering Kawai Nui Marsh	1981	088
	Kawai Nui Marsh	Water and sediment quality measurements	1989	052
	Maunawili Stream	Summary of stream monitoring activities-for golf construction project. Draft	1990	063
	Maunawili Stream	Summary of stream monitoring activities-for golf construction project. Final	1993	064
	Maunawili Valley	Assessment to determine impact of golf course construction		065
	Kawai Nui Stream and Ka‘elepulu Stream	Baseline water quality and biota studies	1992	053
	Kailua Bay	Water quality reports	1993	101
	Kailua Bay shoreline	Mokapu sewage outfall in Kailua Bay	1993	100
	Kailua Bay shoreline	Kawai Nui canal sampling of bacteria	1993	102
		Kailua Bay circulation	1993	103
		Bacteriologic water quality	1993	125
		Mokapu outfall benthic sampling	1993
	Ka‘elepulu Stream	Microbiological assessment/impact on the bay	1993	129
	Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant	Monthly discharge reports including chemical and whole effluent toxicity tests	1994-1995	073
	Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant	Monthly discharge reports including chemical and whole effluent toxicity tests	1995-1996	074
Waimanalo
	Waimanalo	Sanitation and Underground effluents disposal	1966	122
	Waimanalo	Phosphate levels of sea water	1966	123
	Waimanalo Bay State Recreational Area	Environmental Impact statement. Flooding, sediment, organic pollution, tides	1972	018
	Waimanalo Agricultural Park	Review of existing water resources and land uses; potential uses of sewage effluent	1980	083
	Waimanalo	Underground effluent disposal	1986	120
	Waimanalo-Maunawili	Proposal to reduce agricultural NPSP	1990	021

Section C: Summary of Research – 1998 to Present.

The table below is an inventory of water quality monitoring studies in the Ko‘olaupoko District and the public viewpoint of the status of their watersheds. It should be noted that this inventory is an initial step to categorically quantify the quality of water resources in Ko‘olaupoko.

KBAC has already organized the Ko‘olaupoko water quality studies conducted up to 1998 into a database and made available on the web (http://www.kbachi.org/Pages/body_reports.html). In 1998, the Hawaii Unified Watershed Assessment (HUA) Report identified Ko‘olaupoko as a Category I “priority watershed”. Category I watersheds are defined as “watersheds that do not currently meet or face the imminent threat of not meeting, clean water and other natural resource goals” and thus command remedial attention. The Hawaii Unified Assessment report also identified four specific Water Quality Limited Segments (WQLS), i.e., areas experiencing high concentration of pollutant emissions from non-point sources and needing improvement. Within the Ko‘olaupoko District, the “Water Quality Limited Segments” are Waimanalo Stream and its tributaries, Kapaa Stream, Kawa Stream, and Kane‘ohe Bay. These designations encouraged many new studies in Ko‘olaupoko. The Hawai‘i Department of Health has recently completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports for Waimanalo Stream and its tributaries (2001) and is soon to finalize one for Kawa Stream (2001). Many new studies have been initiated since the 1998 HUA report and are cited below. Most of these studies are ongoing. All sources are cited and referenced in the bibliography that follows this section.

Watersheds

/Streams

Study

Reference

Waimanalo Watershed

Waimanalo Stream^*^a

and its tributaries Kahawai Stream^a and Inoa‘ole Stream^a

^aHIDOH TMDL report found heavy nutrient loading in Waimanalo Stream.

Subcontractors by DOH, assessments identifying severe damage and degradation to Waimanalo stream habitat.

Investigation of the presence of organochlorine pesticides in contaminated sediments and fish.

Harrigan and Burr, 2001

Total Maximum Daily Loads, estimated, January 2001.

Krupp, 2000; Laws, 2000; Medeiros, 1998; Smith, 1998

Brasher and Anthony, 2000

Kailua Watershed

Ka‘elepulu

Kawainui stream

Kapaa ^*

A five-year biological and sediment monitoring program on the marine communities near the city's ocean sewer outfalls.

Evaluation of contaminants in tissue samples of top level predators (barracuda, moray eels, ulua) caught in Enchanted Lake and Kane‘ohe Bay.

Brock, 1998

Richman, unpublished work.

South Kane‘ohe

Kane‘ohe Bay ^*^d

Kane‘ohe/Kamo‘oali‘i

Kawa ^*^{, b,c}

Kea‘ahala

He‘eia

^bKawa stream TMDLs estimated, 2000

^cKawa Stream Bioassesment

Longitudinal monitoring of He‘eia stream and Kane‘ohe Bay.

^d Established in October 1998, CISNet is a long term monitoring project to monitor water quality in streams and sediment processes in Kane‘ohe Bay.

http://www/aecos/com/

JOBS/KawaTMDL.html

Larned, unpublished work.

http://www.hawaii.edu/cisnet/

North Kane‘ohe

Hakipuu

Ka‘alaea

Waiahole^e

Unnamed (Waianu)

Kahalu’u

Waikane

Biological assessments of selected windward streams, including Waiahole Ditch.

^e On-going water quality and stream biota (algae) monitoring project in support of efforts to restore ecological health to Waiahole Stream.

Filbert and Englund, 1996.

http://www.pixi.com/~isd/MakawaiWQ.html

^{Table
Note:}^*WQLS-designated Water Quality Limited Segment.

Water quality is most often defined by a predetermined set of scientific standards and indicators, but it can also be assessed by the quality of life experienced from within the community whose unanimous desire is to have waters that are “fishable and swimable”. Community satisfaction was evaluated based on comments obtained in surveys commissioned by KBAC in each of the four major watersheds. For the purposes of this document, community satisfaction with water related issues in their respective watersheds was quantified by the number of relative concerns and ranked on a relative scale of 1-5 scale (1= high satisfaction and 5 = reflects little to no satisfaction).

Ko‘olaupoko Watersheds	Community Satisfaction (Scale 1-5)
North Kane‘ohe Bay	2
South Kane‘ohe Bay	4
Kailua	4
Waimanalo	5

The level of community satisfaction can be quite revealing. Despite a fairly high ranking of the riparian, cultural, and recreational resources of Waimanalo stream, public comment in 1999 consistently expressed a high degree of concern and dissatisfaction with the quality of water in their watershed. Thus, community dissatisfaction may reveal significant gap areas not currently being addressed in research studies or a failure to implement the recommendations or proposed solutions.

Section D: Areas Needing Further Research.

These tables were compiled to identify gaps areas in water quality studies in the Ko‘olaupoko watersheds. The evaluation used the following indicators:

stream conditions,
current and ongoing water quality studies (mostly since 1998), and
levels of community satisfaction in each watershed.

The absence of available information for Kapaa stream in the Kailua Watershed and an unnamed perennial stream (often mistakenly referred to as Waianu) in North Kane‘ohe Watershed is most noticeable. The aquatic resources of each of the streams were rated as either moderate or limited, i.e., Ka‘elepulu and Kawainui streams. It is difficult to determine whether the aquatic resources of these streams have been compromised or if the gap indicates a lack of available data. Also the cultural resources in South Kane‘ohe Bay remain unranked, suggesting a lack of information in an area well know for its rich cultural significance. There are significant information gaps on the stream conditions of the Ko‘olaupoko region. Although well designed and a useful baseline, the 1990 assessment needs to be updated.

A review of the number of water quality studies being conducted in each subwatershed reveals little work being done North Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed streams, with the exception of the Waiahole Monitoring Project. Much of the research in the North Kane‘ohe Bay Watershed is limited to stream inputs into Kane‘ohe Bay (a designated WQLS) through the CISNet project headed up by UH-SOEST and HIMB. To date, no scientific study has been reported for Kapaa stream, one of the four designated WQLS, in the Ko‘olaupoko region. In KBAC's preliminary problem identification report, Kapaa stream was reported to be impaired by sediments, excess nutrients and pathogens. A completed TMDL evaluation will be necessary to design a plan for restorative action.

Oahu has been experiencing drought conditions over the last 5 years, severely hampering research on in-stream flows following heavy rains. For this reason, there is a significant gap in knowledge of nutrient and sediment loads under high stream flow conditions in Ko‘olaupoko. The drought has also caused natural vegetation to dry up resulting in an increased rate of sedimentation and erosion in all of the Ko‘olaupoko watersheds. Plans should be made to continue to monitor streams in the future under normal rainfall conditions.

An area that has only just begun to be addressed is the biological effect of chemical residues in streams. Chemical water quality analysis alone does not and cannot adequately predict or reflect the condition of aquatic resources. Routine water quality monitoring for example, will detect the effects of nutrient enrichment and chronic acidification, but does not normally detect trace levels of toxicants or contaminants, or fleeting pollution events such as spills, short-lived toxicants and pesticides or combined impacts. Small amounts of these residues can amass in the tissues of aquatic organisms and progressively accumulate up the food chain reaching extremely high levels in top level predators. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct biological surveys or bio-assessments to monitor aquatic organisms as a more accurate reflection of the effects of pollution and perturbations. It should be noted that the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program did recently undertake a study to test for chemical residues in selected streams and the presence of contaminants in fish tissues throughout Ko‘olaupoko streams. Data will be presented in a series of technical and non-technical reports and is forthcoming.

Bio-assessment studies, coupled with physical and chemical analysis, will be valuable in identifying probable causes of water resource impairment not detected by physical and chemical water quality analyses alone, such as nonpoint source pollution and contamination, erosion, or poor land use practices.

In a series of technical reports, KBAC has already identified several probable causes of impairment that may be adversely affecting water quality in Ko‘olaupoko.

Waimanalo. Algal blooms have resulted from nutrient rich land uses, including farm animals, sewage injection wells, bio-waste processing, cesspools, and fertilizers.
Kailua (specifically Enchanted Lake). The subdivision surrounding this lake is constructed on filled land where there once was marshland and a prehistoric Hawaiian fishpond. Enchanted Lake is owned by private landowners, but the lake is rapidly infilling because it functions as a sump for surrounding storm-water runoff. During rainstorms, the lake discharges via Ka‘elepulu Stream into Kailua Bay. The discharges are loaded with contaminants and bacteria.
Kane‘ohe. Erosion problems – Kane‘ohe Bay has suffered severe environmental damage, especially to coral reefs, which have been smothered by years of erosion and sedimentation. Urban growth and increased vehicle traffic contribute paved surfaces that capture storm-water runoff and contaminants from vehicles.

In each of the examples above, chemical water quality analyses are insufficient in identifying causes of water impairment. Bio-assessments should be integrated with physical and chemical water quality studies in the future to address the complex water quality issues identified in Ko‘olaupoko watersheds. Publicized biological assessment results, such as the renewal or reappearance of desirable species back into the ecosystem or the recovery of a viable fishery from contaminants, will dramatically improve public appreciation of the overall biological health and integrity of Ko‘olaupoko water bodies.

List of References and Project Reports for Section IV

Brasher, A.M., and S.S. Anthony, 2000. Occurrence of Organochlorine Pesticides in Stream Bed Sediment and Fish From Selected Streams on the Island of Oahu, Hawai‘i, 1998. USGS Fact Sheet 140-00.

Brock, R. 1998. Community Structure of Fish and Macrobenthos at Selected Sites in Vicinity of Mokapu Ocean Outfall, Oahu, Hawai‘i. WRRC, UH PR-99-07

Burr, S. 2000. Kawa Stream Bioassessment. Prepared for Hawaii Dept. of Health, Environmental Planning Office.

CISNet (Coastal Intensive Site Network). http://www.hawaii.edu/cisnet/

Filbert R. and R. Englund, 1996. Assessment of the Freshwater macrofauna of Kawa Stream, Oahu.

Harrigan, June and Susan Burr, 2001. Total Maximum Daily Loads Estimated for Waimanalo Stream- Island of Oahu, Hawai‘i. Prepared for Hawai'i State Department. of Health, Environmental Planning Office. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Hawaii's Unified Watershed Assessment, Clean Water Branch (CWB), Hawai‘i Department of Health, Oct. 1998.

Hawaii's Water Quality-Limited Waters HIDOH, 1998.: The 1997 Assessment and 1998 CWA 303(d) List of water Quality-Limited Segments. A. Palomino, G. Wolinski, G. Smith.

Kailua Bay Advisory Council. 2001. Final Technical Program Report Prepared by Comprehensive Planning Services, Kailua, Hawai‘i. http://www.kbac-hi.org/Page/Reports/Tech_Reports/Final_Tech_Report.htm

Kailua Bay Advisory Council, 1998. Waimanalo Livestock Populations and Waste Production. Prepared by Colleen P. Medeiros.

Krupp, David A., 2000. A Geographic Information System for Water Flow and Land Use in the Waimanalo Stream Drainage Basin. http://www.kbac-hi.org/Pages/body_reports.html

Larned, Scott T., personal communication.

Laws, Edward. 2000. Draft Final Report- Waimanalo Stream Assessment.

Miller, Susan Elliott. 1998. Information Sources. Kailua Bay Advisory Council. http://www.kbac-hi.org/Page/Reports/Information_Sources/Miller_Report.pdf

National Park Service, Western Region Natural Resources and Research Division, Hawaii Cooperative Park Studies Unit, 1990. Hawaii Stream Assessment: A Preliminary Appraisal of Hawaii's Stream Resources., Report R84. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Richman, H. A., personal communication.

Smith, Gordon, 1998. Biological Assessment and Habitat Characterization of Waimanalo Stream: Establishing Goals and a TMDL for Watershed Management.

Tomlinson, Michael and Eric DeCarlo, 2000. Waimanalo Progress Report.

Russo A., E.A. Kay, J. Bailey-Brock, W. Cooke, Water Resource Research Center, University of Hawai‘i, Manoa.

Waiahole Stream Monitoring Project 1999-present. http://www.pixi.com/~isd/MakawaiWQ.html

Top of the Document / Table of Contents

V. Major Water Quality Problems

Section A: Overall Water Quality Problems in Ko‘olaupoko.

This section summarizes the major water quality problems identified through community meetings sponsored by KBAC, reviews of available reports, and site inspections. The problems have been identified and ranked as: Severe = highest concern, Moderate = mid-range concern, and Low = lowest concern. Only Severe and Moderate problems are listed. A more detailed account of all the problems, questions, issues, and concerns raised by the community can be found in KBAC’s Preliminary Problem Identification Report. Severe concern areas generally are present in all the sub-watersheds with moderate concern areas being more restricted, although trash, debris, etc., was reported in all sub-watersheds, but not found to be a severe problem.

The primary water quality problems identified relate to stormwater runoff that transports eroded soil, litter, and contaminants into storm drains, streams, and bays. In rural areas, such as North Kane‘ohe and Waimanalo, livestock, waste processing, and cesspools can contribute to surface and groundwater pollution. However, the largest volume of intense rainstorms flows to coastal waters via surface drains and streams, with a significant quantity, as high as one-third, infiltrating into the ground wherever surfaces are permeable.

Major Water Quality Problems	Degree of Problem
Polluted Runoff – Surface water carries contaminants out into the coastal waters or infiltrates into permeable surfaces where it contaminates groundwater.	*Severe*
Leptospirosis – A bacteria present in nearly all streams, this disease is transmitted in the urine of mammals: rats, mice, mongoose, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, or humans. It affects streams, soils, lo’i, wetlands, and estuaries.	*Severe*
Stream bank erosion – Eroding stream banks contribute to soil erosion and siltation of wetlands and reefs.	*Severe*
Trash, debris, litter and dumping – Litter is transported to drains, streams and bays. Litter also affects the aesthetics of the landscape and harms fish and marine life.	*Moderate*
Stream Flow – Minimal low stream flows needed to support aquatic life are not adequate for fish and plants growth in streams.	*Severe*
Soil erosion – A widespread problem; it impacts wetlands, fishponds, coral reefs, and embayments. Though it can occur naturally, development and road cuts that denude hillsides have accelerated the problem.	*Severe*
Wetlands are being silted-up and need protection – Wetlands serve as filters of eroding soil or contaminants from stormwater runoff and as habitat for waterbirds.	*Severe*
Mangrove infestations – Mangroves are pervasive in every stream mouth and fishpond on the Windward side. Mangroves clogs floodways, damage fishpond walls, and severely alter stream flow.	*Severe*
Siltation of nearshore reef flat – Caused by the deposition of eroded soil. Siltation adversely affects coral ecosystems in bays and fosters mangrove growth at stream mouths.	*Severe*
Impermeable surface increases – Caused by urbanization. Roofs, parking lots, sidewalks and roads reduce permeable land areas, which normally would permit infiltration or retention of storm water.	*Severe*
Damage to bays and beaches – Are the beaches safe to swim?	*Moderate*
Algal growth – Occurs on nearshore reef flats. The growth occurs partly because of increased levels of nutrients and partly because of the presence of silt caused by soil erosion.	*Moderate*
Cesspool seepage – Predominately a problem in rural areas, it can contribute to the total loads of nutrients and pathogens.	*Moderate*

Section B: Public Identification of Problems and Concerns:

Water Quality for Sub-Watershed Areas

Using the public input obtained from the various sources discussed in Section II, the following listing of concerns has been complied along with possible solutions. In addition, the severity of each of the problems has been ranked by area from 1 to 3, with the one perceived to be most severe getting a ranking of “1”; and the feasibility of resolving the problem or concern was determined and ranked from 1-3, with a “1” being “most likely” to succeed.

The public identified far more problems and concerns in Kailua and Waimanalo than the other two areas. North and South Kane‘ohe have considerably less documented concerns with their water quality issues. Additional public input from the Kane‘ohe Bay area is needed to have a comprehensive public view of the water quality conditions for that area. Much of the survey work was conducted at supermarkets: North Kane‘ohe, the area above He‘eia, has few stores and no supermarkets, thus slanting the data gathering in favor of communities that have more markets. However, South Kane‘ohe as an urban setting has supermarkets. It is unclear from the data, how many people were approached in each given area and the percentage of those who were responsive to the survey. A more comprehensive methodology in the areas that have less input may add data or it may indicate that residents of those areas are not as aware of water quality problems and concerns. A new survey could address these questions.

North Kane’ohe

		Kailua
Problem	Level^a	Comments	Proposed action	Likely^b	Actors
Enchanted Lake and Ka‘elepulu Stream must periodically be dredged to maintain the flood flow capacity of the channels.	1	Dredging is costly and poses a hazard if flood channels are not kept clear. Problem appears to be worsening due to anaerobic sediments that contribute to odors and poor water quality and circulation of Enchanted Lake, Kawainui Canal, and Ka‘elepulu Stream.	Work with agencies and communities to gain community support, to identify the full extent of the problems, to seek funding to study and solve them, especially disposing of the dredge material, i.e., eroded soil, and dewatering, and to evaluate alternate technologies, disposal sites, erosion control measures, and improving circulation.	1	C&C Env Svc, DOH, COE

Nu‘upia Ponds – Protect from Kailua/Aikahi wastewater treatment plant spills.	3	Spills are infrequent, containable onsite.	Monitoring of treatment plant and fishponds.	3	DWWM, DOH, EPA, USFWS, MCBH

Sewer lines, leaky – need repairs.	2	The City maintains sewers, pump stations, and treatment facilities using sewer fees and is gradually modernizing and repairing its sewer lines. Fixing old lines in a short period of time is difficult due to high costs, i.e., the City would have to borrow the money. The City very active–performing prioritized maintenance and repairs based on periodic inspections.	Monitor the sewage discharges and respond to community concerns. KBAC does not have the ability to pay for sewer line repairs nor is this a component in the Consent Decree.	1	DWWM, DOH, EPA


Golf Courses - Luana Hills Golf Courses - Luana Hills (Maunawili) and Midpac – evaluating and monitoring their impacts and uses of BMPs to control water pollution although soil erosion and sedimentation occurred during construction at Bayview.	3	Golf courses must comply with major regulatory controls established the mid-1990s, including groundwater monitoring, environmental reviews, and tighter grading regulations, though no obvious water quality problems presently exist.	Monitor golf courses for compliance, including water quality monitoring.	3	C&C Env Svc, DLU, City Council, COE, DOH
Mokapu‘u outfall – Questions exist– does it create a health risk at Kailua beaches	3	There is a question regarding it not being built to a specified depth. Studies imply that Ka‘elepulu Stream is more likely the source of high bacteria counts along Kailua Beach than the outfall; several studies do not indicate problems.	Continue to monitor the potential impacts, possibly surveying Kailua Beach beach users using a health screening survey. KBAC funds are too small to do remedial projects related to the outfall.	3	DWWM, DOH, EPA

Kane‘ohe-Kailua (Aikahi) Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant – Excessive odors, noise, possible ineffective treatment.	1	Due to the problem's severity, Environmental Services proposes to spend $375 million to upgrade the plant in response to community complaints and to accommodate population growth. Skeptical community members do not believe that Env Svc will significantly improve the plant, requesting that it be relocated (for cost in excess of $700 million).	Monitor the plant and consider the feasibility of waste water reuse or alternative treatment methods, e.g., wetlands	3	DWWM, DOH, EPA

Ka‘elepulu Stream - opening of the sand bar releases stored waters that may have high bacteria and nutrient loads.	3	Questions remain whether this creates a health risk opening of the sand bay releases stored waters that may have high levels. Beachgoers can be advised to avoid water contact following the sandbar openings, DOH and DPW monitor bacteria levels.	Monitor bacteria levels. Advise beachgoers to avoid water contact following the sandbar openings. Improve water circulation for Enchanted Lake, Ka‘elepulu Stream, and Kawainui Canal.	2	Env Svc, DOH
Enchanted Lake, Ka‘elepulu Stream, and Kawainui Canal – Need clear statement of problem, though water quality and flooding problems are concerns of these waterways.	1	Flood and water quality problems are significant. The low cost of the recommended remediation warrants investigation and evaluation of its impacts.	Model and evaluate a system to improve mixing and circulation, thus, significantly lower bacteria levels, by pumping seawater into the head of the Kawainui Canal (near the Oneawa Canal) while simultaneously opening the sand bar at the mouth of Ka‘elepulu Stream using a small hydraulic jetting system.	1	Env Svc, DOH, COE

Kawainui Marsh – need to maintain the open water pools and to keep the marsh free of contaminants.	1	Maintaining open water areas is difficult because of the extensive siltation of the marsh that provides an excellent habitat for wetland vegetation, and is costly.	Dredge and remove vegetation and continue monitoring.	3	USFWS, DLNR, Env Svc, DOH, Kawainui Heritage Foundation

Le Jardin – questions remain regarding its impact on water quality for the area.	3	Initial concerns before construction.	Monitor impacts of the school site, evaluating BMPs used to control runoff and pollution.	3	DPW, DLU, DOH

Landfills, leaky and Ameron quarry – potential impacts of closed Kailua and Kapaa landfills leaking Into Kawainui Marsh?	1	Agencies report no significant leaching. DOH reports that Kapaa Stream, that drains the landfill into the marsh, is one of the most contaminated on Oahu).	Review the closure plans and evaluate the data regarding potential contamination from the landfills and the quarry operation. If the data indicate a problem, consider further action.	1	Env Svc, DOH, EPA, DLNR

Landfill, road – litter – and includes a former auto junkyard.	?	Needs cleaning up; DOH has issued (to whom?) a notice that the site appears contaminated, but lacks data. Traffic from Ameron Quarry spread dust, i.e., cement and unknown particulates, that wash into the marsh.	Test for the extent and source of the problems, monitoring Kapaa Stream water quality and plants/animals in marsh. Test auto junkyard for contaminants.	1	Env Svc, DOH

Kailua Beach – questions regarding safety (from health risks) for swimming.	3	Pathogens from the Mokapu outfall are not problematic. Elevated levels of bacteria occur when Ka‘elepulu Stream is opened, but monitoring continues and warnings are posted.	Assist in continuation of monitoring and develop remedial actions for Ka‘elepulu Stream cleanup.	3	DWWM, DOH, WRRC, EPA

Water hyacinth – In Kawainui Marsh.	1	Plants interfere with flood flows and damage aquatic habitat. Continual clearing is merely a "band-aid" remedy; plants are a symptom of excess nutrients.	Reduce shallow water due to siltation and improve water circulation by increasing instream flows.	3	DOH, USFWS, DLNR

Waimanalo

		Waimanalo
Problem	Level^a	Comments	Proposed action	Likely^b	Actors
Cesspool seepage – 400 homes in Waimanalo.	2	Contribute to the total loads of nutrients and pathogens, but available data fails to show them to be significant problem when compared to other sources, i.e., livestock and dairy. Some past effort to hookup the Waimanalo Beach lots to City sewers began, but have been suspended.	Evaluate the situation, work with agencies and the communities. Property owners and government will most likely bear the cost to solve.	2	C&C Env Svc, DOH

Wastewater recycling	2	BWS is proposing up to 20 mgd of wastewater to be reused in the next few years. DWWM is evaluating plans for the Kailua plant, and, with the state, considering options for the Waimanalo Plant.	Work with agencies and the community to suggest alternative treatment methods and wastewater reuse options. Need golf courses to begin irrigation for wastewater reuse and to develop marketing of sludge. See recommendation for Mokapu outfall.	2	DWWM, DOA, DHHL, DOH, BWS

Sewer lines, leaky – need repairs.	2	The City maintains sewers, pump stations, and treatment facilities using sewer fees and is gradually modernizing and repairing its sewer lines. Fixing old lines in a short period of time is difficult due to high costs, i.e., the City would have to borrow the money. The City very active–performing prioritized maintenance and repairs based on periodic inspections.	Monitor the sewage discharges and respond to community concerns. KBAC does not have the ability to pay for sewer line repairs nor is this a component in the Consent Decree.	1	DWWM, DOH, EPA

Golf Course - Olomana – evaluating and monitoring their impacts and uses of BMPs to control water pollution.	3	Golf courses must comply with major regulatory controls established the mid-1990s, including groundwater monitoring, environmental reviews, and tighter grading regulations, though no obvious water quality problems presently exists.	Monitor golf courses for compliance, including water quality monitoring.	3	C&C Env Svc, DLU, City Council, COE, DOH

Beaches - questions regarding safety (from health risks) for swimming.	2	Personal observations by public and photographs of algal blooms or a plume indicate high likelihood of bacteria and nutrients originating from various possible sources: injection wells, cesspools, livestock, former bio-remediation facility, and agricultural activities.	Identify source of problems and implement remediation efforts.	2	DWWM, DOH, WRRC, EPA

Water hyacinth – in streams leading to beaches.	1	Plants interfere with flood flows and damage aquatic habitat. Continual clearing is merely a "band-aid" remedy; plants are a symptom of excess nutrients.	Reduce shallow water due to siltation and improve water circulation by increasing instream flows.	2-3	DOH, USFWS, DLNR

R-10 Lots, Olomana – potential impacts on water quality.	3	Unless soil is exposed or livestock populations increase, little cause for concern.	Regulate remediation measures to prevent erosion and runoff should changes occur that increase runoff.	1	Env Svc, Building Dept., DLU, DOH
Groundwater pollution - from chemical such as pesticides (Alachlor), degreasers (TCE), and high nitrate levels (14ppm)	1	One drinking water well was closed because of Alachlor contamination. Identifying contaminates is difficult.	Identify source of contaminates and contaminated land areas.	2	DOH, CWRM, BWS, DLNR

Unisyn bio-waste facility – Concern about environmental and health impacts after closure.	3	Added to the cumulative impacts for the area.	Review closure plan to ensure compliance and monitor downstream water sources.	1	DOA, DLNR, DOH, EPA

Algal blooms, periodic occur– Cause uncertain.	1	Some coastal waters below DOH water quality standards. Possible causes include high nitrogen levels from the bio-waste facility, dairy, sewage treatment plant, injection wells, and farm activities. Estimate that land use activities produce more than 100 tons of total nitrogen/yr.	Water quality monitoring and investigation of causes with follow up remediation.	2	DOA, DLNR, DOH, EPA

Waimanalo sewage treatment plant – inadequate capacity of injection wells.	1	Bacteriological loads in groundwater upstream of the plant also indicate a regional problem creating cumulative effect. The City and County of Honolulu, which operates the plant owned by the State, (the plant’s owner) is proposing to upgrade it: increasing capacity and improving the efficiency of injection wells.	Study the groundwater and geology of the area to determine impacts on use of injection wells and consider alternative for disposal of effluent; increase the capacity of the plant.	2	C&C Env Svc, DOH, DOA, DHHL

Landfills, military sites	?	Metal concentrations are up to three times background levels.	Obtain baseline data or reports. Clean up the contamination.	?	USAF, EPA, DOH

Scum – Light brown, on surface of beach water at Bellows Beach	2	The problem may be similar or the same as the algal blooms previously discussed. Contaminant sources could originate from various unidentified sources and locations, although many problem locations are known.	Identify source of contaminates and contaminated land areas.	2	DLNR, DOH, DPR

Dairy contamination – possibly ongoing.	?	Possible other source was sub-lessee, Unisyn.	Monitor water quality of receiving waters from the site, include monitoring as a requirement of State land lease.	?	DOA, DOH, DLNR, EPA, Lessee

Agricultural activities and runoff – introduces pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers.	?	The difficulty is that identification of problems may require an inspection of every property in the area. Major federal initiatives to fund farmers to construct vegetative buffers is to be available by 1999.	Educate farmers regarding the use of BMPs, assist farmers in obtaining funding for remedial actions, and support organic farming activities.	1-2	DOA, DLNR, CWRM, EPA, DOH, USDO,NRCS, COE

Park restroom facilities – disposal of wastewater.	2	Flows directly to beaches. This problem may be similar or the same as the algal blooms previously discussed. Contaminant sources could originate from a variety of sources and locations that have not been identified, although many problem locations are known.	Need to determine current disposal methods. Install methods that prevent contamination of near shore waters.	2	DLNR, DOH, DPR

Bellows Air Force Station – under- utilized open space and low-lying land may be suitable for wetland restoration to assist in reducing contaminants in storm water runoff prior to discharge into Waimanalo Bay.	1	With extensive non-point source pollution and storm water runoff linked to land uses in community, including low-residential density and the agriculture, the area is a good candidate for wetland treatment using these low-lying areas. The situation is similar to Arcata, California, which become a national model for wetland remediation treatment.	Coordinate Bellows Air Force Base and government in planning a remedial wetland to address pollution from upland areas, implement plan.	1	USAF, DOH, EPA, DLNR, DPW

Kailua Reservoir - potential breach may impair downstream water quality.	?	Situation needs further investigation.	Work with community, residents, and government to address concerns.	1	DOA

		North Kane‘ohe Bay
Problem	Level^a	Comments	Proposed action	Likely^b	Actors
Cesspool seepage – unknown number of homes in Kane‘ohe.	2	They contribute to the total loads of nutrients and pathogens, but available data apparently does not show that they alone are a significant problem when compared to other sources, e.g., livestock.	Evaluate the situation; work with agencies and the communities. Property owners and government will most likely bear the cost to solve.	2	C&C Env Svc, DOH

Kahalu‘u Stream Flood Control Project must periodically be dredged to maintain the flood flow capacity of the channels. Kahalu‘u was dredged in 1997.	1	Dredging is costly, however, not dredging poses a hazard when flood channels are not kept clear. Needs community support and funding to study and solve the problem.	Work with agencies and community members to gain community support in identifying the full extent of the problems, to seek funding to study and solve them, especially disposing of the dredge material, i.e., eroded soil, and dewatering, and to evaluate alternate technologies, disposal sites, and erosion control measures.	1	C&C Env Svc, DOH, COE

Diversion of stream waters - lack of instream flows to streams	3	In Waiahole Case, Hawaii Supreme Court requires that instream flows be established to protect resources and habitat under the public trust doctrine.	No action - case is on remand to the Water Commission that is working to establish flows for the streams.	1	?

Sediment in near shore waters		Situation needs further investigation.	Situation needs further investigation.	?	?

Potential development in upper watershed areas		Situation needs further investigation.	Situation needs further investigation.	?	?

Old military firing range?		Costly to clear ordnance	CTKB action	?	?

		South Kane‘ohe Bay
Problem	Level^a	Comments	Proposed action	Likely^b	Actors
Kane‘ohe Stream Flood Control Project must periodically be dredged to maintain the flood flow capacity of the channels. Kahalu‘u has undergone dredging in 1997 and Kane‘ohe is due in 1998.	1	Dredging is costly, but not dredging poses a hazard when flood channels are not kept clear.	Work with agencies and community members to gain community support in identifying the full extent of the problems, to seek funding to study and solve them, especially disposing of the dredge material, i.e., eroded soil, and dewatering, and to evaluate alternate technologies, disposal sites, erosion control measures.	1	C&C Env Svc, DOH, COE

Bubble algae – increasing.	2	Unknown causes, possibly over-fishing or Kane‘ohe WWTP spills.	Evaluate the situation; work with agencies and the community to identify management measures. If cause is if over-fishing, the solution is fisheries management.	2	HIMB, DLNR (DAR)

H-3 freeway runoff.	3	No large amount of sediment is reaching streams and the bay.	Monitoring erosion control measures, e.g., vegetated highway cuts.	1	DOT, DOH

Nu‘upia Ponds – Protect from Kailua/Aikahi wastewater treatment plant spills.	3	Spills are infrequent, containable onsite.	Monitoring of treatment plant and fishponds.	3	DWWM, DOH, EPA, USFWS, MCBH

Wastewater recycling – Needed, golf courses to begin irrigation for wastewater reuse; also marketing of sludge.	2	BWS is proposing up to 20 mgd of wastewater to be reused in the next few years. DWWM is evaluating plans for the Kailua plant, and (with the state) considering options for the Waimanalo Plant.	Work with agencies and the community to suggest alternative treatment methods and wastewater reuse options. See also recommendation for Mokapu outfall.	2	DWWM, DOA, DHHL, DOH, BWS

Cesspool seepage – unknown number homes in Kane‘ohe.	2	Contributes to the total loads of nutrients and pathogens, though available data apparently does not show that they alone are a significant problem when compared to other sources, e.g., livestock.	Evaluate the situation; work with agencies and the communities. Property owners and government will most likely bear the cost to solve.	2	C&C Env Svc, DOH

Sewer lines, leaky – need repairs.	2	The City maintains sewers, pump stations, and treatment facilities using sewer fees and is gradually modernizing and repairing its sewer lines. Fixing old lines in a short period of time is difficult due to high costs, i.e., the City would have to borrow the money. The City is very active–performing prioritized maintenance and repairs based on periodic inspections.	Monitor the sewage discharges and respond to community concerns. KBAC does not have the ability to pay for sewer line repairs nor is this a component in the Consent Decree.	1	DWWM, DOH, EPA
Golf Courses - Bayview, Clipper, Minami, and Pali – evaluating and monitoring their impacts and uses of BMPs to control water pollution although soil erosion and sedimentation occurred during construction at Bayview.	3	Golf courses must comply with major regulatory controls established the mid-1990s, including groundwater monitoring, environmental reviews, and tighter grading regulations, though no obvious water quality problems presently exist.	Monitor golf courses for compliance, including water quality monitoring.	3	C&C Env Svc, DLU, City Council, COE, DOH

Table of Contents 1

I. Introduction

II. Public Input in the Assessment

III. Natural Resources Inventory

Natural Resources Inventory – Bibliography

IV. Overview of Research on Water Quality

Section A: Hawai‘i Commission on Water Resources Management’s Assessment of Streams in Ko‘olaupoko:

Section B: Summary of Pre-1998 Research:

North Kane‘ohe Bay

South Kane‘ohe Bay

Kailua

Waimanalo

Section C: Summary of Research – 1998 to Present.

Section D: Areas Needing Further Research.

List of References and Project Reports for Section IV

V. Major Water Quality Problems

Section A: Overall Water Quality Problems in Ko‘olaupoko.

Section B: Public Identification of Problems and Concerns:

Water Quality for Sub-Watershed Areas

North Kane’ohe

South Kaneohe

Kailua

Waimanalo

VI. Glossary

VII. Acronyms

VIII. Acknowledgments